Recommendations for deep shade

lavenderlverJuly 25, 2012

Under the spread of a mature oak tree. I already have Blue Angels, Elegans and a common Marginata(?), so any suggestions for greens, chartruese or others that do well and show well in fairly deep shade?

I have a City Light that's not doing well in it current spot, how would it do if I planted it under the oak's canopy (where the canopy thins out)?

You have the right idea in looking for chartreuse or any other light green to bring a bit of life to a dark, shady area. The one that works for me is Abiqua Recluse, a chartreuse hosta that so far is of medium size with good growth, even in the full shade of an apple tree. It's one of my favorites. With more sun it would probably turn yellow and grow larger, but it suits my purposes.

Oak lighting is great - fairly high canopy, light is dappled since leaves are not at dense as Maples. My hosta grow great at North end of oak canopy - I call it bright shade, I would think SE would be very bright.

Bright Lights has Tokudama genes, which in general are slower growers.

Lavenderiver, the hostas showing in this group are Tokudama Flavocircinalis at 1 o'clock, Heavenly Tiara at 9, and Queen Josephine at 11. Not showing, behind this grouping, is Abiqua Moonbeam, which is my choice for a Frances Williams look-alike. Sorry I can't help with your question about City Lights which I don't have.